It was a long weekend and a break from work. It also meant a break for the students. So Kevinski and company planned to have another movie marathon at their place, as usual. But this time, it was planned and the other youths were also invited. More than 10 came and was a handful bunch. After 3 movies,1 horror, 1 suspense and 1 feel good movie. We were on our bed dreaming that the weekend won't end. Hehe..
Morning came, while we were preparing to leave the place and faces were obvious sad to end the activity. Out of the blue, I forgot who proposed it, was it me or Kevinski, that we'd go river trekking at the nearby river, which was actually CDO's central river. We prepared a bottle of water each, no wearing of shoes, no bags and other important things. Then off we go along the road to teh farther part of Balulang which I had been to only once, we trekked the rsame river about 10 years ago with Kevinski's dad and others as well. Okay... We were excited to cross the hanging bridge which was a bit challenging with Mari in front of me. After which, decided to go on with the trail which prodded us to go the other, little way when a man with a hunting gun came out. It was an adveture that led us to another street which connected to a low bridge that when its high tide, the water would flow above it. Followed the road up a hill when Kevinski and company decided to climd a small passageway up a steep slope where we could see a cream-painted house. We were literally climbing up a slope where we could see the mountain opposite Balulang (so green with trees), the city from afar, the glistening blue sea beyond teh buildings and where we had hiked earlier. Savoring the view in every stop. Not knowing, there's a much better view ahead, which in fact is a road in a village I had just known, Xavier Ville. Only 2 houses were inhabited, the rest were still on-going construction. It is in the upper-part of Balulang. A mother and a child passed us and asked where we were going. Actually, we were going nowhere, just for the sake of bonding, adventure, and where our feet could carry us under the scorching heat of the noon sun. She informed us that up ahead is the Taguanao bridge. As adventurers and wanderers, we were excited and made it our new destination, where it'll lead, whatever it takes. So off we go. Passing by the last place of Balulang, we asked residences which fork of teh road leads to Taguanao. They politely answered us with a warning that it's too far. Yet, as if nothing was heard or was it just being determined to reach our destination, we moved on even without further knowledge on what awaits us and how far our destination is. The sight of the bridge on our left was an encouragement. It was not long that we reached our destination. Now what? Should we go back on our tracks or go on and continue our hiking to Taguanao where we could get a ride to the city, then ride a multicab back to Balulang. not to mention, it was already past 1pm and we hadn't had lunch yet. I was glad no one complained and everyone we're energized and excited to finish our adventure. It was not my first time to hike from Balulang to Taguanao, yet the trail was different. There was yet no bridge at that time, we had to cross the big river by banka. It was their first time to pass those trails and step onto Taguanao. Some even suggested that we continue walking to the city from Taguanao. Knowing the place, as Taguanao became my swimming team's favorite destination before, I begged not to for the fact the we might arrive at the city late in the afternoon, with no food and unprepared energy. Glad they agreed to take the jeep to the city. And it was then that they realized it was really far.
It was by far a great adventure. Not to mention, it was not costly. It is one of those that I can wear on my sleeves. Though they were dead tired when they reached their homes, I'm glad they enjoyed it. Hoping that it would be etched in their memory and the enjoyment and bonding be etched in their hearts. For first-timers, it was by far unforgettable. For some, it was their longest walk. Yet, nothing beats the bonding, excitement and smiles we had even if the heat was pounding on us. Thank you guys. Let's do this again someday.
Morning came, while we were preparing to leave the place and faces were obvious sad to end the activity. Out of the blue, I forgot who proposed it, was it me or Kevinski, that we'd go river trekking at the nearby river, which was actually CDO's central river. We prepared a bottle of water each, no wearing of shoes, no bags and other important things. Then off we go along the road to teh farther part of Balulang which I had been to only once, we trekked the rsame river about 10 years ago with Kevinski's dad and others as well. Okay... We were excited to cross the hanging bridge which was a bit challenging with Mari in front of me. After which, decided to go on with the trail which prodded us to go the other, little way when a man with a hunting gun came out. It was an adveture that led us to another street which connected to a low bridge that when its high tide, the water would flow above it. Followed the road up a hill when Kevinski and company decided to climd a small passageway up a steep slope where we could see a cream-painted house. We were literally climbing up a slope where we could see the mountain opposite Balulang (so green with trees), the city from afar, the glistening blue sea beyond teh buildings and where we had hiked earlier. Savoring the view in every stop. Not knowing, there's a much better view ahead, which in fact is a road in a village I had just known, Xavier Ville. Only 2 houses were inhabited, the rest were still on-going construction. It is in the upper-part of Balulang. A mother and a child passed us and asked where we were going. Actually, we were going nowhere, just for the sake of bonding, adventure, and where our feet could carry us under the scorching heat of the noon sun. She informed us that up ahead is the Taguanao bridge. As adventurers and wanderers, we were excited and made it our new destination, where it'll lead, whatever it takes. So off we go. Passing by the last place of Balulang, we asked residences which fork of teh road leads to Taguanao. They politely answered us with a warning that it's too far. Yet, as if nothing was heard or was it just being determined to reach our destination, we moved on even without further knowledge on what awaits us and how far our destination is. The sight of the bridge on our left was an encouragement. It was not long that we reached our destination. Now what? Should we go back on our tracks or go on and continue our hiking to Taguanao where we could get a ride to the city, then ride a multicab back to Balulang. not to mention, it was already past 1pm and we hadn't had lunch yet. I was glad no one complained and everyone we're energized and excited to finish our adventure. It was not my first time to hike from Balulang to Taguanao, yet the trail was different. There was yet no bridge at that time, we had to cross the big river by banka. It was their first time to pass those trails and step onto Taguanao. Some even suggested that we continue walking to the city from Taguanao. Knowing the place, as Taguanao became my swimming team's favorite destination before, I begged not to for the fact the we might arrive at the city late in the afternoon, with no food and unprepared energy. Glad they agreed to take the jeep to the city. And it was then that they realized it was really far.
It was by far a great adventure. Not to mention, it was not costly. It is one of those that I can wear on my sleeves. Though they were dead tired when they reached their homes, I'm glad they enjoyed it. Hoping that it would be etched in their memory and the enjoyment and bonding be etched in their hearts. For first-timers, it was by far unforgettable. For some, it was their longest walk. Yet, nothing beats the bonding, excitement and smiles we had even if the heat was pounding on us. Thank you guys. Let's do this again someday.
